Smart growth is on the minds of most community leaders, for a smart growth community is one that considers the social, environmental, and economic consequences of each development action. While the smart growth concept contains laudable goals, it isn't easy. The uniqueness of each community and each site means the path to developing smartly isn't clear cut. Furthermore, the task of keeping the big picture in mind while considering the hundreds of details is a big challenge.
A new product developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center can assist with this effort. The Web-based tool allows interested parties to explore three hypothetical development options to compare costs, environmental ramifications, and other impacts to the neighborhood. To make it even more realistic, the tool uses 3-D visualization technology, which lets users "see" how the various options might look and "fly through" the proposed neighborhood before the first bulldozer is even cranked up.
Alternatives for Coastal Development: One Site, Three Scenarios uses the Web to showcase three different development scenarios that illustrate a number of conventional, environmental, and new urbanist concepts. The land involved is a real tract in coastal Georgia. The 1,100-acre site is typical for the southeastern coast, as it contains wetlands, marshlands, big oak trees, and spectacular views. The Web site includes a tremendous amount of information about smart growth concepts, links to information and resources, and illustrations of how the smart growth concepts work for this Georgia property.
During a visit to the Web site, for instance, interested parties can explore the impacts of green space on water runoff, property values, and the quality of life for residents. Or they can explore the economic costs associated with paving roads or bike paths and using impervious materials for walking trails. The Web technology gives users access to a copious amount of information in an engaging format that makes it easy to compare and contrast the different development options presented.
The coastal management program in Georgia was a partner in this effort and is taking a lead role in the distribution of this product. The program has a traveling bus, the Coastal Ark, which staff members use to educate the public about coastal resource management issues. The Web site will play a prominent role in this traveling classroom. Georgia officials and the Georgia Conservancy, another project partner, will use the information and visualization from this product as they work with communities that are struggling with growth issues.
Even though the site focuses on Georgia, the issues and options are not unique. All coastal states can use the information in much the same way Georgia is.
To use this Web site, please visit www.csc.noaa.gov/alternatives/. For additional information, please contact the project lead at Nancy.Cofer-Shabica@noaa.gov.
